Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - CDC NIS-Child Breastfeeding Data Released, National Breastfeeding Month Commences, and more

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Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - CDC NIS-Child Breastfeeding Data Released, National Breastfeeding Month Commences, and more

8/2/2024

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- A Note of Gratitude for Tina Sherman
- The USBC Hosts Three Stakeholder Listening Sessions in August
- Upcoming Events from USBC Members
- USBC Supports...
Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month
National News
- New CDC NIS-Child Breastfeeding Data Available
- NASEM Report on Challenges in Supply Chain and Regulation of Infant Formula
- The Pregnant Scholar Provides Updates on Title IX Legal Challenges
Action Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Events
News & Views

denotes a USBC member organization news item denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

A Note of Gratitude for Tina Sherman

The USBC team would like to express our sincere gratitude for the work and service of Tina Sherman. Tina generously stepped off of the USBC Board of Directors and into the role of Interim Executive Director, providing valued service and leadership to the USBC for the past eight months. During her tenure, Tina coordinated the efforts of the USBC Search Committee to identify the next Executive Director, Jennifer Day, while supporting the critical efforts of the USBC Board of Directors and staff team. Tina is returning to her role at MomsRising as the Senior Campaign Director for the Maternal Justice Campaign and will continue as an active partner and leader in the field. MomsRising is a USBC member organization and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Tina as a member rep. It's been a pleasure to work this closely with Tina, and we are grateful for her service as USBC Interim ED.

The USBC Hosts Three Stakeholder Listening Sessions in August

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is hosting an additional series of virtual listening sessions this August with stakeholders to inform the development of a five-year plan to advance infant nutrition security and eliminate breastfeeding disparities, especially those impacting Black and Native American populations. The August sessions are specifically for individuals who identify as Black or African American, or for individuals who indentify as Indigneous or Native American. The dates are:

A Listening Session for individuals who identify as Black or African American

August 14, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m. ET/3-4:30 p.m. PT

A Listening Session for individuals who identify as Native American or Indigenous

Option 1: August 16, 2024, 9-10:30 p.m. ET/6-7:30 p.m. PT
Option 2: August 22, 2024, 9-10:30 p.m. ET/6-7:30 p.m. PT

If you identify as Black or Indigenous, we hope you'll register to join us and share your insights!

Upcoming Events from USBC Members

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee maintains an Events Calendar with upcoming breastfeeding-related events that are hosted by our extensive network of USBC member organizations. Events include online trainings, learning opportunities, virtual conferences, and more. Visit the calendar to explore recently added events taking place in May and June. USBC member organizations are invited to submit events via the USBC Member Portal.

USBC Supports...

CDC Coalition: "Joint Letter Opposing Proposed Funding Cuts for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention"

Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month

National Breastfeeding Month has commenced! The 2024 NBM theme is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive. Join us as we take the time in August (and beyond!) for action, education, and celebration of our collective efforts. Share your organization's plans with us so we can amplify your work in the Weekly Wire and on social media,shop the USBC Store for official NBM merch, and make a donation to help support important campaigns like this one. Highlights from the field include:

1,000 Days: 1,000 Days released the 2024 Breastfeeding Inspiration Guide, which contains ready-to-share social media and communications messaging, graphics, and content from various organizations celebrating National Breastfeeding Month, including the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.
NCDHHS: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services published a blog titled "Themes, Resources and Events to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month" highlighting breastfeeding resources for North Carolinians and a variety of local community events taking place across North Carolina throughout August.
DOL & EEOC: Join the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in celebration of National Breastfeeding Month in North Carolina for the "North Carolina Breastfeeding Resources Panel" on Tuesday, August 6, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. This virtual event will help workers understand their rights under current law and how to talk to their employers and assert their rights. The webinar will also equip advocates with information to assist new and expecting mothers seeking to assert their workplace rights.

Local Events

CBC: The Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting the 8th annual "Breastival 2024" on Saturday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT at Central Park in Denver, CO. This event is a gathering that unites communities, support networks, resources, and entertainment for all family members.
DCBFC: The DC Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting "The Latch and Stroll" on Saturday, August 24, at 9:30 a.m. ET at Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C. This event is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, normalize breastfeeding in public, and connect with other breastfeeding mothers in the community.
MIBFN: The Michigan Breastfeeding Network August Breastfeeding Month webpage is highlighting a series of local events taking place in Michigan during National Breastfeeding Month:
- Thursday, August 1: "Barry County Breastfeeding Support Event"
- Friday, August 2: "Breastfeed Macomb Fun Fair"
- Friday, August 2: "Saginaw Breastfeeding Month Celebration featuring Workplace Awards"
- Saturday, August 3: "Marquette County Breastfeeding Event"
- Wednesday, August 7: "Eaton County Breastfeeding Support Event"
- Thursday, August 1-Sunday, August 28: "Gratiot County Breastfeeding Month Events," including a Lunch and Learn on infant massage, a Breastfeeding Awareness Walk, a Virtual Breastmilk Circle Support Group, and a Coalition Meeting
- Monday, August 29: "Saginaw WIC Family Stroll for Breastfeeding"
NWMMB: The Northwest Mothers Milk Bank will be lighting up in hues of pink and purple the Morrison Bridge, which spans the Willamette River throughout World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) to emphasize the critical importance of universal access to breastfeeding support for the health and well-being of infants worldwide. NWMMB released a social media toolkit featuring ready-to-share social media messaging and graphics highlighting the Morrison Bridge Lighting.
St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition: St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting "Liquid Gold: A Celebration of Lactation Arts" on Friday, August 2, from 4 - 7 p.m. CT at Hidden Gem in St. Louis, Missouri. This 21+ event will feature local artists, original poetry, the opportunity to learn about the St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition, and a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week!
TBBTF: The Tampa Bay Breastfeeding Task Force is sponsoring the "Latch & Paint" event, hosted by Birthing, Lactation, Knowledge, LLC. This event is designed specifically for breastfeeding/pumping, mothers-to-be, and those with young children. The goal is to create a supportive community where moms can bond, create beautiful art, and make lasting memories with their children.

Breastfeeding Month Proclamations

Kansas: Governor Kelly proclaimed August as Kansas Breastfeeding Month.
Maryland: Governor Moore proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Maryland.
Skagit County, WA: The Skagit Board of County Commissioners proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in Skagit County.

NBM News & Views

Coosa Valley News: "Breastfeeding Celebration Planned at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center"

El Paso County Public Health: "August is National Breastfeeding Month"

Herald: "Catholic Charities of Long Island hosts annual walk for Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Freeport"

KROX: "Polk-Norman-Mahnomen WIC Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week"

Livingston County News: "Livingston County Department of Health hosts World Breastfeeding Week event"

MSN: "Babylon Town Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week"

Savannah Community Headlines: "Healthy Savannah and YMCA Announce Breastfeeding Events and Public Education Efforts National Breastfeeding Month is to be observed during August."

Texas Health and Human Services: "Texas WIC Celebrates 50 Years of Service During National Breastfeeding Month"

The 'Gander: "Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with events in Barry & Eaton Counties"

WSAV: "Healthy Savannah, YMCA announce breastfeeding events"

World Health Organization: "On World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF and WHO call for equal access to breastfeeding support"

National News

New CDC NIS-Child Breastfeeding Data Available

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new breastfeeding rates from the National Immunization Survey - Child (NIS-Child). The new NIS-Child breastfeeding data are among babies born in 2021, which includes births during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC’s Breastfeeding Report Card will not be released this year, but the new breastfeeding data is available on the CDC's Breastfeeding Rates webpage and will be published on the Data, Trends, and Maps website later this fall. The latest data shows that among babies born in 2021, 84.1% were ever breastfed, 27.2% were exclusively breastfed at six months, and 20.5% of breastfed newborns were supplemented with infant formula before they were 2 days old.

NASEM Report on Challenges in Supply Chain and Regulation of Infant Formula

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) published the consensus study report, "Challenges in Supply, Market Competition, and Regulation of Infant Formula in the United States." This consensus study report explains policy and marketplace vulnerabilities that were exposed during the 2021/2022 infant formula shortage, describes the extent to which actions taken by relevant stakeholders addressed these vulnerabilities, identifies remaining gaps in the system, and recommends actions to reduce the risk and lessen the effect of any future disruption to the infant formula supply chain.

The Pregnant Scholar Provides Updates on Title IX Legal Challenges

The Pregnant Scholar released an article, "Update and FAQ on Title IX Legal Challenges." The Department of Education’s recent 2024 Title IX regulations, which were set to go into effect on August 1, have been faced with some legal challenges. Courts have temporarily blocked the federal government from enforcing the new Title IX regulations in 22 states and hundreds of schools. This article addresses frequently asked questions about these recent challenges, highlighting that lactation accommodations are required by law, under the PUMP Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, even without the 2024 Title IX regulations.